Cricket

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has heaped praise on young Indian pace sensation Mayank Yadav, who made his international debut in the first T20I against Bangladesh on Sunday. Ali expressed hope that Yadav will be part of the Indian squad for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Test series in Australia.Yadav, who impressed during this year's Indian Premier League (IPL) with Lucknow Super Giants, made an immediate impact on his India debut. In four overs, he took one wicket for 21 runs at an economy rate of 5.20. While he did not reach the 150 kph mark, he consistently hit 140 kph, showcasing his raw pace.Ali, speaking on his YouTube channel, said, "It was a dream debut for Mayank Yadav. He started off with a maiden and even clocked 149.9 kmph. He has come from an injury, which is why his speeds have not been 157 or 158. Just imagine if he had been given the new ball instead of Hardik Pandya. He instilled fear. If you guys saw the match, batters did not play him on the front foot. I hope that he remains fit and goes to Australia."In the match, India won the toss and opted to bowl first. Bangladesh was bundled out for 127 runs in 19.5 overs, with Najmul Hossain Shanto (27) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (35*) being the top scorers. Arshdeep Singh (3/14) was the pick of the bowlers for India, while Varun Chakravarthy (3/31) and Yadav (1/21) also contributed.During the chase, India lost Abhishek Sharma early, but Sanju Samson (29) and Suryakumar Yadav (29) put on a 40-run stand for the second wicket. Hardik Pandya (31*) and debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy (16*) then sealed the win for India with a 52-run partnership for the fourth wicket.Bangladesh failed to rise with the ball in the second inning and could only pick up two wickets. Mustafizur Rahman and Mehidy were the only wicket-takers for the visitors. Arshdeep was named the 'Player of the Match' for his fine spell.

Team India Arrives in Delhi for Second T20I Against BangladeshNew Delhi, India - The Indian cricket team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, arrived at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi on Monday, November 21, 2023, ahead of their second Twenty20 International (T20I) match against Bangladesh. The Men in Blue received a warm welcome from their enthusiastic supporters at the airport.After disembarking from their flight, the Indian team boarded a bus and proceeded to their hotel in the national capital. They are scheduled to face Bangladesh in the second T20I on Wednesday, November 23, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.India currently holds a 1-0 lead in the three-match series after defeating Bangladesh by seven wickets in the opening T20I in Gwalior. Suryakumar's team will be aiming to secure a series victory with a win in the second match.The upcoming T20I is expected to be a high-scoring affair, given the batting prowess of both teams. India will be looking to continue their winning momentum, while Bangladesh will be determined to level the series.The Indian team has a strong batting lineup, led by Suryakumar Yadav, who has been in excellent form in recent matches. Other key players include KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma. The bowling attack will be spearheaded by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel, and Yuzvendra Chahal.Bangladesh, on the other hand, will be relying on their experienced batsmen, such as Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Liton Das. Their bowling attack will be led by Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, and Shoriful Islam.The second T20I between India and Bangladesh promises to be an exciting contest, with both teams eager to secure a series victory.

India Hands Debuts to Mayank Yadav and Nitish Reddy in T20I Opener Against BangladeshIn a significant move, India has handed debuts to fast bowler Mayank Yadav and batting all-rounder Nitish Reddy in the first T20I against Bangladesh in Gwalior. Both players have impressed with their performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL), earning them a spot in the national team.India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, won the toss and elected to bowl first, aiming to exploit their strong bowling attack against Bangladesh. The debutants, Yadav and Reddy, will be eager to showcase their talent on the international stage after shining in high-pressure IPL moments.This move reflects India's commitment to nurturing young talent and building depth for future challenges. Suryakumar Yadav included Mayank Yadav, wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, power-hitter Rinku Singh, and all-rounder Washington Sundar in the playing XI, leaving out Tilak Verma, Ravi Bishnoi, Harshit Rana, and Jitesh Sharma."We'll look to bowl first. Looks humid, don't think the wicket will change later on. Always a great feeling coming back home and playing in home conditions. We are really excited for that. There's a lot of talent involved in the group. The energy is great and most importantly, the guys are keen to learn. That's a great thing. (On the stadium) Looks beautiful, the crowd here looks lovely, very excited to play here. Guys who are missing out are Tilak Varma, Ravi Bishnoi, Harshit Rana and Jitesh," Suryakumar said at the toss.Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto expressed his excitement for the series and praised the young Indian team. "It's a pretty new side. Couple of guys are coming for the T20s, I hope they do something special in the series. Last couple of months, they have worked really hard at home. Looks very fresh, I would have bowled first as well. Looks like a good wicket, I hope the openers will do something good. Three seamers and two spinners," said Shanto.Teams:India: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Suryakumar Yadav (c), Riyan Parag, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy, Mayank Yadav, Arshdeep Singh.Bangladesh: Litton Das (wk), Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Parvez Hossain Emon, Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam.

India's T20I Preparations Begin with Grueling Practice SessionAs India prepares to face Bangladesh in the first T20I match in Gwalior on Sunday, the team underwent an intense practice session on Saturday. This match marks India's first home T20 match since their triumph at the T20 World Cup in the West Indies earlier this year.Led by Suryakumar Yadav, the Indian squad features only four players from the World Cup-winning team. The practice session, overseen by Yadav, showcased the team's determination to defend their title in the 2026 T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.Yadav, known for his innovative batting style, provided commentary on the practice session, describing the shots of batsmen like Washington Sundar and Rinku Singh in his unique Mumbaikar style. The Indian cricket board (BCCI) shared a video of the practice session on Twitter, highlighting the team's focus and preparation.India's T20I series against Bangladesh serves as a crucial step in their preparations for the 2026 World Cup. The team will aim to build on their success in the West Indies and develop a strong foundation for the upcoming tournament.

Shivam Dube Ruled Out of Bangladesh T20I Series with Back Injury; Tilak Varma Named ReplacementNew Delhi: India's preparations for the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh have suffered a major setback with the news that star all-rounder Shivam Dube has been ruled out due to a back injury. The three-match series is set to commence on Sunday in Gwalior.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed Dube's unavailability in a social media post, stating that he will miss the entire series. The board also announced that left-handed batter Tilak Varma has been named as his replacement.Dube's injury is a significant blow to the Indian team, as he has been a key contributor in the T20I format. In 33 T20I appearances for India, he has amassed 448 runs and claimed 11 wickets.It is understood that Dube's back injury resurfaced during training in Mumbai prior to the Bangladesh series. Despite traveling to Gwalior, the pain persisted, causing discomfort during training sessions.The 21-year-old Varma, who has played 16 T20Is for India, will join the squad in Gwalior on Sunday morning. He has scored 336 runs and taken two wickets in the shortest format of the game.Varma's inclusion in the squad is a testament to his impressive performances for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, he has recently been sidelined due to an injury, which prevented him from being selected for the T20I series against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka.With Dube's absence, India will have to rely on other all-rounders in the squad, such as Hardik Pandya and Washington Sundar. The team will also be hoping that Varma can make a quick impact and fill the void left by Dube.

Gwalior Braces for India-Bangladesh T20I Amidst Tight Security and ProtestsAhead of the highly anticipated T20I match between India and Bangladesh in Gwalior on Sunday, the city has been placed under heightened security to ensure a safe and incident-free event.Prohibitory orders have been imposed in Gwalior, and over 2,500 police personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order. Police presence will be visible from 2 pm onwards, and officers will remain on duty until spectators have safely returned home after the day-night game.Social media is also being closely monitored for any inflammatory content that could incite violence.Despite the security measures, right-wing organizations Bajrang Dal and Hindu Mahasabha continue to oppose the match. Bajrang Dal's national convenor, Neeraj Dauneria, has urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to cancel the event, citing concerns about terrorism and the alleged persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh.Hindu Mahasabha vice-president Jaiveer Bhardwaj has announced a Gwalior bandh until 1 pm on Sunday to protest the match. The organization claims that the Bangladesh team has been restricted to their hotel and stadium due to their protests.Business establishments in the city have been asked to remain closed on Sunday as part of the protest. Police have previously arrested several Hindu Mahasabha workers for demonstrating against the match.The India-Bangladesh T20I is a significant sporting event for Gwalior, and the authorities are determined to ensure that it proceeds smoothly and without any disruptions. The security measures and the ongoing protests highlight the importance of maintaining peace and harmony during such events.

India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has acknowledged the potential of express pacer Mayank Yadav, but emphasizes the need for careful management amidst the demanding cricket schedule. Mayank's impressive 155kph pace during IPL 2024 caught attention, earning him Player-of-the-Match awards in his first two games before an abdominal injury sidelined him.Despite his absence from competitive cricket since then, Suryakumar confirms Mayank's full recovery and his addition to the Indian team. "He has the X factor, as seen in franchise cricket," Suryakumar said. "His extra pace can make a difference. I haven't faced him in the nets, but I've witnessed his potential. He's a valuable addition, and I expect him to perform well."However, Suryakumar stresses the importance of managing Mayank's workload due to the intense cricket calendar. "It's crucial to manage him well, considering the amount of cricket being played," he said. "We need to pay proper attention, and the BCCI is doing that."Regarding the upcoming T20I against Bangladesh at the Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium, Suryakumar expressed optimism about the pitch conditions. "The pitch looks good," he said. "We practiced on the center wicket and didn't find it too slow or low. It should be a good wicket for T20 cricket, with a balance between bat and ball."Despite the venue's lack of previous domestic or international matches, Suryakumar believes the team is well-prepared. "We've practiced here for three days and know the conditions," he said. "We'll play our usual style, and if everyone contributes, we'll get the desired results."Suryakumar also highlighted the growing trend of batters contributing with the ball in white-ball cricket. "It's beneficial if batters can bowl an over or two," he said. "Almost everyone in this squad can bowl, giving us more options. As seen in Sri Lanka, Riyan [Parag] bowled four overs. If someone is confident in bowling under pressure, why not?"

India and Bangladesh Clash in T20I Series Amidst Test SeasonAs the Test season rages on, India and Bangladesh will engage in a three-match T20I series commencing in Gwalior on Sunday. While India has rested its star players, the fringe players will strive to establish themselves as backups and enhance their IPL value.Suryakumar Yadav leads a relatively inexperienced Indian side, but his players possess exceptional skills and versatility in the T20 format. Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh add experience, while newcomers Mayank Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Harshit Rana seek to make their mark. Abhishek Sharma, with five T20I caps, aims to increase his tally.India's fast-bowling department is depleted, potentially opening doors for debuts for Mayank Yadav, who impressed with his pace in the IPL, and Rana, a Kolkata Knight Riders title winner. Hardik and Shivam Dube provide seam-bowling support, while Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, and Varun Chakravarthy form the spin trio.For Bangladesh, this series presents a golden opportunity to develop their game against a formidable opponent and potentially attract IPL scouts. Mahmudullah, Mustafizur Rahman, Litton Das, Taskin Ahmed, and Mahedi Hasan, all seasoned T20I campaigners, must perform at their best for Bangladesh to challenge India.With Shakib Al Hasan's retirement from Tests and T20Is, Bangladesh's lineup has undergone a transformation. Sanju Samson, with his impressive IPL form, is likely to open the batting for India alongside Abhishek. Legspinner Rishad Hossain, who emerged as Bangladesh's top wicket-taker in the T20 World Cup, will aim to impress IPL scouts.The Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium will host its first international match, with teams batting first in night games in India averaging over 190 runs in the past year. The weather is expected to be slightly cooler than usual on Sunday evening.

West Indies' T20I and ODI squads for their upcoming tour of Sri Lanka have undergone significant changes, with several key players opting out and promising youngsters earning call-ups.In the T20I squad, Andre Russell, Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, and Akeal Hosein have all withdrawn for personal reasons. Opening batter Evin Lewis, who last played a T20I during the 2022 World Cup, makes a welcome return. Brandon King also returns after recovering from injury.To fill the void left by Russell, West Indies have called up Trinbago Knight Riders teammate Terrance Hinds and Antigua and Barbuda Falcons' Shamar Springer. Both all-rounders impressed in the recent CPL season.Rovman Powell will continue to lead the T20I side, with Roston Chase as his deputy. Johnson Charles, who had a strong CPL campaign, missed the cut, while Andre Fletcher will serve as the reserve opener.In the ODI squad, 17-year-old Jewel Andrew has earned a surprise call-up. He could become the youngest West Indian to debut in ODI cricket. Andrew has shown promise in his limited appearances so far.Shai Hope will continue to captain the ODI team, with Alzarri Joseph as his deputy. Matthew Forde, who missed out on the T20I squad, has been included.The ODI squad also features two specialist spinners in Hayden Walsh Jr. and Gudakesh Motie. Batters Alick Athanaze and Keacy Carty retain their spots.West Indies' white-ball tour of Sri Lanka will begin on October 13 and will run until October 26.